The Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix returns to the Shanghai International Circuit April 18-20, 2014. This popular Grand Prix event takes place just southwest of the Shanghai city limits – near the town of Anting. Planning early for this event will help ensure preferred aircraft parking, services, and hotel accommodation options for General Aviation (GA) aircraft and crew.

The following is an overview of what you need to know if operating to Shanghai during this event:

1. Airports to consider for the Chinese Grand Prix

With the Grand Prix taking place just outside Shanghai, the two best airport options are Hongqiao (ZSSS) and Pudong (ZSPD). ZSSS is a drive of approximately 30 minutes to the Grand Prix circuit, while ZSPD is about 50 minutes from the race track. Another airport to consider is Xiaoshan (ZSHC), but this is drive of approximately 2.5 hours. All three are Airports of Entry (AOEs), with full aircraft services available.

Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) implements strict flow control for ZSSS, and only 10 GA movements are permitted during the peak hours of 0800-2200 local. An aircraft cannot arrive and depart during peak hours on the same day at ZSSS, and only one arrival or departure slot will be assigned per aircraft per day. Note that landing permits serve as your airport slot confirmation. Airport slot deviation at ZSSS is +/- 15 minutes.

Only aircraft classified as C1 or C2 can operate foreign GA flights to/ from this airport. Aircraft classified as types A, B, C3, D, and E cannot operate to ZSSS.

CAAC implements strict flow control procedures at ZSPD. Only 10 GA movements are allowed during peak hours of 0800-2200 local. During this peak hour period, only one arrival or departure slot will be issued per aircraft per day. After processing your landing permit, CAAC reviews expected traffic for the given day and, based on availability, may grant permission for ZSPD. Note that CAAC issues landing permit numbers, which also serve as airport slot confirmations. Aircraft cannot arrive and depart during peak hours on the same day. Airport slot deviation is +/- 30 minutes.

Only aircraft classified as C1 or C2 can operate foreign business flights to and from this airport. Aircraft classified as types A, B, C3, D, and E cannot operate to this airport.

4. Restrictions to consider for travel to Shanghai

Depending on the time of a flight, aircraft may be restricted in terms of which airports they may operate into/out of when traveling to Shanghai. Below is an overview of what’s permitted for each airport:

Between 0001 and 2359 local, GA operating from the south, west, and northwest will be routed to ZSSS.

Between 0001 and 2359 local, GA may operate to ZSPD to and from any direction.

Between 2300 and 0659 local, GA operating to/from the northeast and east will be routed to ZSSS.

Between 0700 and 2300 local, GA arriving from the east or northeast are not permitted to land at ZSSS. The east or northeast direction refers to LAMEN direction or B2221 and A326 directions.

CAAC strictly enforces air traffic limitations and will only accommodate a certain number of GA flights during a given day. Currently, ZSSS and ZSPD only permit 10 GA movements each per day.

CAAC processes permit requests in accordance with normally published rules and regulations.

When processing landing permits, CAAC reviews expected traffic for the given day and, based upon availability, may grant permission for operation to ZSSS.

5. ZSHC is located farther from the circuit and is not recommended for GA

Although ZSHC is a 24-hour AOE, commercial flights normally operate to this location between 0700 and 2359 local. Between 0001 and 0700 local, the airport is usually open only to emergency and government flights. It’s not recommended that GA flights attempt to operate to ZSHC during the hours of 0001-0700 local.

6. Landing permits are required for all operations to China

Landing permits are needed for all travel to China. As regulations have changed over recent months, it’s important to review all new requirements prior to operating to China. Below you’ll find two articles covering these new regulations:

7. Hotel and transportation arrangements should be confirmed soon

Shanghai has a good selection of 4- and 5-star crew accommodations options – including large international hotel chains. There are, however, fewer hotel options to consider when traveling to ZSHC. Best practice is to book 4- or 5-star hotel crew accommodations as early as possible, due to high traffic during the Chinese Grand Prix period. Rental vehicles are not recommended for local transport due to traffic congestion and possible road closures during the event period. Pre-paid local transport (car with driver) is the preferred option for many business aircraft operators, and your ground handler can make these arrangements. Public transport to the Shanghai International Circuit is also an option, via Metro Line 11 to "Jiading New Town."

8. Additional operating tips for China

9. More information on the race

More information on the Chinese Grand Prix and Shanghai circuit, including race dates, schedules, and ticket purchase options, can be found on the Formula 1 website.

Conclusion

Plan early and work with your 3rd-party provider and local ground handler to source best available operating options for your trip during this event. Short-notice and/or last-minute GA operations to Shanghai during the Grand Prix period should be manageable – although you may not be able to secure certain preferred accommodation options and/or aircraft parking opportunities.

Universal is not associated in any way with the Formula One group of companies. F1, FORMULA ONE, FORMULA 1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX, and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing B.V.

An FAA-Licensed Dispatcher, Christine Vamvakas is an expert in all areas of trip support services, including TSA Waivers, international visa requirements, aircraft fuel ranges, operations in Greece, and charter operations throughout Europe. A native of Greece, Christine is fluent in Greek and has more than a decade’s experience working in trip support services with Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. Having served as Master Trip Owner and Team Lead for Universal’s Charter Management Team, Christine has facilitated thousands of international trip legs and uses that experience in her role as Universal’s Operations Communications Manager. Christine holds a bachelor of science degree in business management and a master’s degree in business administration. Her expert commentary has been included in multiple business aviation publications. You can reach Christine at christinevamvakas@univ-wea.com.

Greg Linton, Team Lead, ELATE Team, is known as a solutions-oriented problem solver. He’s also known as an expert on operations around the globe, particularly to Europe, Africa and China. Since joining Universal in 2000, Greg has facilitated more than 9,100 trip legs. He has represented Universal at numerous industry tradeshows and conventions including the European Business Aviation Association Conference & Exhibition and the National Business Aviation Association Conference. Greg has also been interviewed for and contributed articles to many industry publications. Prior to joining Universal, Greg served as an aircraft maintenance administration supervisor in the United States Marine Corps. Greg holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation management. He can be reached at greglinton@univ-wea.com.